Kentucky Lake Fishing Report - December 2025

Big Profiles, Big Bites, and Fish on the Move

The early winter pattern is finally settling in, and the crappie are on the move. Over the past couple of weeks, fish have begun to disperse into the flats just off major secondary creek channels, keying in on the heavy schools of bait pushing through. This shift has kicked off a far more aggressive bite than we saw in November’s report.

Bonus Tip: Key in on major secondary channel swings, and the adjacent flats.

Where the Fish Are Holding

The best quality fish are showing up within about 100 yards of the creek channel ledges. These areas give crappie quick access to depth while still allowing them to roam the open flats to feed. Anglers targeting man-made structure—especially stake beds—are finding consistent numbers as fish slide in and out to ambush bait.

With crappie roaming more than earlier this fall, staying mobile is crucial. Don’t camp long on slow spots. Keep covering water until you intersect a pod of active fish.

The Bite: From Sluggish to Savage

The big story this month is how aggressive the crappie have become. Where November required finesse and patience, December is rewarding anglers who upsize their presentation.

Bigger profile baits, like our 1/8 oz. Swoop Hair Jig in “Sexy Shad,” have been the standout. Crappie are setting up directly under bait balls, watching for stragglers, then lunging upward to absolutely inhale the jig. That vertical positioning has made a heavier, more visible profile the perfect match.

https://crappiehollow.com/products/sexy-shad

How to Fish It

- Work flats adjacent to creek channel ledges

- Scan for bait and man-made structure—especially stake beds

- Look out for roaming fish when trolling between stake beds

- Use bigger profiles to match the aggressive mood

- Be patient, but not stationary—cover water and stay adaptable

December is shaping up to be a prime month as crappie transition into these early winter feeding patterns. Get out there, stay moving, and let the big profiles do the heavy lifting.